Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Vitamix Alternative

If you are in a rush and just want to know what the best Vitamix Alternative is, then we recommend Blendtec Total Classic as our top pick. 

Vitamix is a popular choice for many consumers new to the world of blending. They have a variety of mixers capable of making juices, nut butters, and soups. Yet there are lots of competing brands available that could easily give top-shelf blenders a good run for their money. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best Vitamix alternatives sold online today, along with guidance to help shorten your picks down to the blender that’s suitable for your personal style of mixing. In the end, our top recommendation will be announced from the seven products reviewed.

Here are the Vitamix alternatives that we will be reviewing:

• Nutri Ninja Personal and Countertop Blender
• Aimores Pro-Class Blender
• Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious Blender
• Jamba Appliances Blender
• Hamilton Beach Professional 1800W Blender
• Blendtec Total Classic Blender
• BlendWorks High-Speed Blender

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Vitamix Alternative

When you’re looking at Vitamix competitors, you will find lots of products that will claim to have features identical to the brand or things that aren’t available in the current models.

For this reason, you should be aware of all the stand-out features of the product so you won’t end up with a Vitamix dupe. View the segments below, showcasing the primary selling points of the trendy blender and how other similar devices stack up in relation to what’s available in the box.

The Tamper

Even some of the best blenders require that a tamper is used to mix certain foods up well enough to avoid inconsistency in the texture of whatever is being blended. Because of this, Vitamix competitors have begun to include the handy tool with their devices to help stir things along at a faster rate. A tamper resembles a short-staffed rod with a blunted tip at the end. As the food is being processed, it is placed inside of the pitcher and used to push everything towards the center. Although it’s not necessarily required on some blenders, it’s extremely helpful by shortening the time that hard substances such as grains and solid fruits need to liquify.

The Pitcher

Saying that the pitcher is one of the most important items on any blender is stating the obvious. The highest quality motor on a mixer can be ruined when outfitted with a less than a stellar pitcher. Surprisingly, Vitamix pitchers, although good in quality, are similar to many other brands that could be significantly less in price. Their jugs are mostly square-shaped, which can cause unprocessed food particles to rest at the bottom.

As a counter, competing blenders will sometimes offer rounded products that minimize this nuisance. Yet, rounded pitchers are not always preferred, particularly if the lid on the top is prone to leakage. Furthermore, handles are also overlooked. Alternatives to Vitamix sometimes feature better handles with either plastic or rubber coating. If you dislike holding the lid on a blender (due to the irritating shakiness of vibrations), this feature could come in handy since only the side can be grasped if the base tends to skip around your countertop.

Digital Display

Digital displays can be featured on low or high-quality blenders. Even without one, most products can be timed. Some companies other than Vitamix may utilize them in a better fashion that allows the blender to be fully operated in a pitch-black kitchen without fumbling for different buttons. But sometimes, less is more. Not all Vitamix, or its competitors for that matter, have this attribute. For those that do, it’s generally not something that’s a deal-breaker but does add to the modern, digitized trend that seems to be creeping up on home appliances in general.

Blades

Since the blades on a Vitamix are sharp, you’ll probably want something that’s the same shape. If not, your search will be a lot easier since cutters on many of the blenders like Vitamix tend to look completely different. Some will even feature two sets of them on the same blender or even auger-like cutters that extend up towards the lid. Other products will have no sharp edges at all. Generally, if you are blending ordinary things like fruits or smoothies, this isn’t such a big issue. However, the consistency of nut butters and grains may come out differently depending on the type of blade available. Take heed to look at the effectiveness of the cutters against such if you intend to do lots of experimentation with your blender.

Blending Capabilities

What type of foods will push Vitamix blenders to its limits? The simple answer is rice and some legumes. Any blender that can function as normal after pulverizing these items is probably in the same league overall. Blenders similar to Vitamix tend to hold up well when doing this and perform at the same standard, although there are some exceptions. If in doubt, just read the manual to see what’s compatible and what’s not. Above all else, these types of plants need to go in your pitcher wet to avoid damage to the motor.

Pit Stop

The purpose of a high-quality blender is to mix your food as fast as possible. Well, products in the Vitamix series do a good job at this but often suffer from having to automatically shut down to prevent overheating in the base. Some Vitamix alternatives may have the same feature while others can continue to operate without pauses. When you have lots of things to mix, you may not have time for pit stops for the motor to take a rest. So long as you use it responsibly and aren’t blending anything you think can damage the motor, you may prefer a mixer that’s incapable of turning off in intervals.

Noise Level

There are fewer things louder in a household than a blender. Some have even recommended earplugs for some people who use them for long periods of time to minimize the risk of hearing loss. Although most people won’t have to worry about this occurring, it’s safe to say that noise is a common criticism of all blenders. A recent trend being featured on some mixers is a built-in barrier that covers the pitcher entirely, beginning at the base and opening up in the front like a car hood. The sound is reduced but remains audible. Most Vitamix blenders do not offer this protection. There are sound barriers sold separately that can be outfitted to any blender, however. If you’re looking for one, just check that the dimensions are greater than the blender itself.

Vitamix Alternatives Reviewed

Nutri Ninja Personal and Countertop Blender

First up is the Nutri Ninja BL642, a great Vitamix competitor that has features available that make the name a perfect choice for the mixer. There are lots of high tech attributes under the hood, and we’ll go into the primary fixtures given that you should know about.

Upon first inspection, the central area inside the pitcher stands out the most. There are two double-edged blades in the center that resemble small hooks or katanas (hence the name). Another set of blades are available for the base as well, which are better for ordinary foods. You could use the “katanas” for most mixes if you wanted, but the lower cutters are compatible with separate cups that can be used after the session is finished. Anything, from nuts, whole citrus fruits, to vegetables can be packed into the blender and shredded away in mere seconds.

The pitcher is also very well made. It can hold up to 72 ounces of contents, which is enough for a large family meal to go inside at the same time. And the suction cups at the bottom will help stabilize the device and keep it from jumping off your countertop, which would definitely happen if they were unavailable. As you turn the blender up, you’ll have to adjust to the high amount of pressure. It’s strong enough to cause food to sometimes leak from the top, even when the lid is closed tightly around the pitcher. And the lower blades are hard to screw into the base. It’s quite a chore to remove when you’re finished, too.

Get ready to break out the earplugs with this one. The more solid the produce, the higher the decibel count will be on the motor. While it’s not loud enough to make you deaf, the noise can easily be heard several meters away from the location of the blender. Consider acquiring a barrier for this unless the sound will not be an issue for you.

The Nutri Ninja BL642 is a great Vitamix alternative for people who have large families and anticipate using the device to make meals or smoothies on multiple occasions. If you’re alone or intend to mix for yourself, you’re better suited to something that doesn’t have a focus on food quantity. Regardless, its a solid product that’s well in the range of being a primary Vitamix alternative.

Pros:

• The pitcher is large enough to blend 72 ounces worth of food and produce.
• Oddly placed blades are powerful enough to liquify virtually anything that’s blended.
• When turned on, the suctions cups at the bottom prevent the machine from moving, making it easier to use without holding it down manually.

Cons:

• The high pressure emitted from the blender during operation causes occasional leaking.
• When using the smaller cups, the bottom must be screwed onto the base very tightly and is difficult to take off when finished.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Aimores Pro-Class Blender

The Aimores Pro-Class Blender may have the traditional look but is anything but ordinary. It sits well on any countertop and is easy enough for anyone to use without going for the manual. There are many advantages that don’t only end with the blender being a budget-friendly alterative.

You’ll appreciate how well the exterior is engineered. The cord is flexible enough to allow the blender to be used at nearly any position. It can alternate from left to right, so if you have a kitchen that has plugs placed in awkward positions that are close to the counter, you should have little stress finding a temporary or permanent spot for it to go. During operation, everything sits well enough to keep the pitcher from rocking back and forth, no matter what high setting it’s on or how much is inside during use. Speed settings are also broad, so if you have something that needs to be cut only a few times, such as carrots or vegetables, you can load it up and place the rotation on the lowest setting and have it dice up the produce for you.

A major area of concern is also rooted in the speed. At high settings, blending may take a little bit longer than what you may anticipate, particularly if you’re mixing up nuts. And by longer, possible several minutes in comparison to brands in the same price range. And although cleanup is not difficult, the release switch for the blades is a burden to push and may end up in you simply pouring soap and water into the pitcher without removing it.

Overall, the Aimores Pro-Class will function well for most people and is recommended for anyone that enjoys using their blender at a slower pace than normal. Under this situation, its great for dicing and cutting fruits, then moving to a higher setting for smoothies. Just keep in mind that you’ll be sitting over the lid for a little while longer than most Vitamix blenders.

Pros:

• The cord is very flexible and can alternate between left or right sides, making storage easy and operation simple for left- and right-handed individuals.
• Has a wide selection of speed settings that are very slow or moderately fast.
• The base is wide enough at the bottom to keep the blender sturdy during blending (no tilting).

Cons:

• The fastest speed may not be suitable for some users and may take longer to emulsify batters.
• The beater has a tendency to make thick contents rise to the top during blending, forcing a brief pause to push down the contents.
• Difficult to push the release switch to detach the beaters.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Breville BBL620 Fresh & Furious Blender

If there’s any brand out there that’s mentioned in the same breath as a Vitamix, Breville is one of the first that may come to mind. They have many high-quality blenders that are used by consumers throughout the world, in both business franchises and residential settings.

The Breville BBL620 is one of those blenders that will probably stay on your counter as a showpiece. The container is made from a BPA-free, shatterproof Tritan. The finish is attractive and supports a durable pitcher with brightly colored measurements on the sides that go up to the very top near the lid.

This isn’t a Vitamix knockoff. There’s more available on this blender from the package than its competitor. If you like to use your blender as a standalone food processor, this can liquify meat and nuts quickly, without leaving large pieces stuck at the bottom and top. There’s also a large tamper sold with the product that helps in grounding up butters and soups with two or three churns at most. If you prefer not to use the blender and allow the pressure to emulsify your food, you can do so without having liquid seep from the top. The lid leaves an airtight seal over the pitcher yet is easy to remove when you’re ready to clean up everything.

There are also different settings available to the type of smoothie you enjoy most, so if there’s a liking to veggie smoothies with a minimal fruit, just press the “green smoothie” option and it will come out with a texture, unlike any other blender.

If you want something like a food processor, this is a great tool for you to shave tough items down to a soupy appearance. There are no additional cups sold with the blender, so if you’re in need of a product that can alternate between pitcher sizes, have a look at the other products on the list before you make your final decision.

Pros:

• Attractive LCD display timer
• Pre-programmed settings for Green Smoothie, Auto Clean, Auto Pulse/Ice, and Smoothie
• The lid maintains a strong grip over the top of the pitcher and prevents leaks regardless of pressure buildup.

Cons:

• 1100 watt motor, which is not quite a strong as a Vitamix

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Jamba Appliances Blender

The Jamba Appliances Blender may not be familiar to you but sits among other top-shelf blenders in offering everything you’d expect in a good Vitamix alternative with few complications during mixing. There are lots here to make any consumer happy. Let’s have a look at the main features given:

A selling point is how easy everything is to clean. While other blenders do have self-cleaning features, this one tends to work well on thick and grainy food particles that stick to the top and underside of the blades. Even in commercial blenders, this type of debris often leads to the user having to detach everything to get it all clean. Not with the Jamba. Just add soap and water and all the small particles glued to the sides will dissolve into the water. After that, just give it a rinse and the clean-up is finished.

It’s also made to rest permanently on most countertops. While there will always be exceptions to this, depending on the kitchen size, 17.3 inches in height should be manageable unless your cabinets sit low to the cooking area.

Another feature that shouldn’t go unnoticed is the safety switch located on the back of the blender. If you have curious children, you know that some items could lead to injury from them unknowingly turning devices on that may not be familiar to them. The rear switch effectively turns off all controls on the front, so no curious hands can flip the blender on, even when the start/stop switch on the left is moved. It’s a minor configuration but has the potential to avoid anyone getting hurt or injured from a falling object with sharp blades.

Just don’t count on using the tamper to even out large fruits and veggies. It does work, but not so well when small portions of food need to be blended. You will have to get the pitcher at least half full to use the tamper like normal. Anything lower will take a longer amount of time to complete and could have lumps due to no contact with the blades. You may find yourself tapping on the pitcher to stir things up while the blender is in motion, which increases the chances of damaging the blender, by the way.

Even with this small upset, the Jamba Appliances Blender is a nice product for people that have children with curious fingers or those who don’t need the fanciest product to make smoothies and can live with the short tamper. Most food items should blend well in any situation, so patience is key to being satisfied with this mixer.

Pros:

• The self-cleaning feature can clean out even the messiest of debris, including oils and vicious substances without scrubbing.
• Height is suitable for the blender to remain on the counter, fitting underneath most cabinets without issue.
• A separate power switch located in the back of the base keeps the machine turned off when pressed on from the front (child safe).

Cons:

• The tamper is short and will require additional content to be placed inside when blending small portions.
• Contents do not always cling to the bottom of the pitcher when blending is complete.
• Additional cups and jars not included with the blender.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Hamilton Beach Professional 1800W Blender

Hamilton Beach is another popular choice that has many great blenders and food processor under their belt. Out of most products on the list, the 58800 is probably the best blender under 200 and has a minimal layout similar to that found on Vitamix appliances.

If you’re a blender enthusiast, you know how difficult it can be to find something that can perfectly blend up small seeds and legumes. Strawberry seeds are widely known for being a pain to process into a liquefied state. This Hamilton blender can easily grind up these contents quickly and leave no traces that are untouched. Back to the control configurations, less is more. The speed settings go up to ten but there is a Pulse switch on the left side if you need to dice up soups. The blender can also cook food when such items are blended for several minutes.

If you’re the type who likes kitchen appliances that allow you to prepare your food quickly, you’ll love this Hamilton mixer. Some blenders force the user to carefully place items into the pitcher in layers, starting from the bottom and working up to the top. In this case, each layer would have a different food product. With the 58800, just dump your contents inside and let the blades mix up everything like normal. It’ll save you a lot of time from not having to worry about some fruits on the top not coming out right because they weren’t placed closer to the blades.

Unfortunately, lumps can still be found when the pitcher is packed tightly. And you will have to hold down the lid as well just to keep the small measuring cup from going off the lid. In fact, you’ll probably just end up moving it from the top altogether because it will fly off, probably as soon as you turn the motor on.

As a Vitamix alternative, this Hamilton Pro is suggested for anyone that wants a blender with configurations that have a “pick up and play” feel to them. There’s hardly any learning curve at all for most ordinary meals and beverages. For everything else, you will probably have to get used to turning the speed settings frequently.

Pros:

• Small food items such as strawberry seeds can be liquefied easily.
• Minimal control configurations are simple to figure out (for novice blender users).
• Food does not require careful placement inside the pitcher.

Cons:

• When blending, the measuring cup does not stay on the lid firmly and will fall off unless held.
• The blender must be run for a long time to avoid lumps and uneven contents.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Blendtec Total Classic Blender

Blendtec, the brand that has become a primary alternative to Vitamix. Their blenders are known for their ease of cleaning, large pitchers, and the button layout keeps manual operation to a minimum.

This model, the Blendtec Total Classic, will probably stay on your kitchen counter, as you’ll find yourself dicing up and cooking things you normally would place in a microwave. While it can heat up your food, the real attribute is owed to the blades.

When you look at the cutters, you’ll notice that the ends are blunt. This is not a defect in the blender. It’s 1560 watts of power is enough to emulsify any foods that come its way. And when you’re ready to clean the pitcher, no traces of hard-to-reach debris will be seen, since you can actually place your fingers around the blades and not worry about them getting cut. Prep time will also be shortened. Cutting your fruits and veggies in halves should suffice. Peanuts and almonds will liquify when added to smoothies but can also come out with a creamy texture if added by themselves.

Although the automatic shutdown feature is great, it can increase the time it takes for you to finish lots of food in one sitting, especially if you tend to run the motor for lengthy periods. But most food can be made in just seconds, so it’s unlikely to become a huge problem for you. Damage to the blades is not unheard of.

While this could increase if the blender is used on dry foods that should be soaked in water first, you should be careful not to run anything that’s not permitted. And you may end up stopping regardless, just to push everything down when blending thick smoothies and ice cream, which may happen when the pitcher is filled close to the top. For features, durability, and the amount of food able to be blended, the Blendtec Total Classic is an exceptional product for any home kitchen. It is sure to last a long time and may even outlive the duration of most Vitamix appliances.

Pros:

• When making soups, it produces enough heat to result in piping hot contents in less than five minutes.
• During overheating, the motor will automatically stop running to prevent burnout.
• Most food products do not require lengthy preparation (chopping, cutting) and can be placed into the pitcher whole or in halves.

Cons:

• Blending solid foods without adding liquid will wear down the blades over time.
• The blades may become damaged when solid foods are consistently used over a long period.
• Since no tamper can be used, blending must be paused when food rises toward the top of the pitcher.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

BlendWorks High-Speed Blender

The BlendWorks High-Speed Blender is the last machine on the list and ranks high in the number of accessories available and the build of the blender itself. The blades are made from metal parts that won’t dull or flake off like some brands. If you need something that will stay with you after a decade of use, this blender will perform like new long after it’s purchased.

Many blenders have begun to use tampers to help push food towards the blades. But what about something that can assist in getting it out? The spoon sold with this BlendWorks product can help scoop everything out from the bottom without resulting in your hitting the pitcher to get contents to move. It’s also a good safety tool since your hands won’t go anywhere near the cutters.

Square-shaped pitchers sometimes leave food residue stuck on the sides, and this may occur when you’re mixing up nuts and hard fruits/greens. Be sure that you use the tamper around the sides in a circular motion to lower the chances of having to repeat the process. Furthermore, stop working when you suspect the motor is heating up; the blender may malfunction if you run it too vigorously without pausing. For safety purposes, be sure that you’re timing everything down and taking breaks.

On its own, the BlendWorks ABW1450 is a remarkable piece of technology and is great for people who don’t want to look for accessories that aren’t included with other blenders. Everything is given to you in one box. While there aren’t any smaller sized pitchers available, the cup is a nice bonus to use when you’re in a hurry to blend something quickly to take with you outside the home.

Pros:

• The base is made up of metal parts near the blades yet will not rust when cleaned.
• Sold with a tamper and mixing spoon to speed up pouring after blending is finished.
• The pitcher has a large handle on the side that makes holding the blender during mixing easier for people with sensitivity to vibration.

Cons:

• The square shape of the pitcher results in food sometimes getting stuck in the corners.
• The lid may come off during blending and must be held down by the user.
• Pauses are required to prevent overheating when blending multiple foods in one sitting.

>>Check Price on Amazon<<

Conclusion

Out of all the blenders comparable to Vitamix, the Blendtec Total Classic wins for its ease of handling, state-of-the-art blades, and one-button configurations for soups, smoothies, and nut butters. As mentioned earlier, having something that combines high-quality parts with quick blending options — of which only the push of a button is needed to set — are things to look for in a Vitamix alternative. And the Blendtec series has proven that it’s not only the best Vitamix alternative but one of the best blenders sold online or in brick-and-mortar stores.